Later this year, the Australian Government will be considering SBS's funding for the period 2009-2012. The period between now and the 2009 Federal Budget will be one of the most important in the history of SBS. Speaking on their [link=http://www.sbs.com.au/future/]website[/link], SBS managing director Shaun Brown said

'SBS has ambitious plans for the future and hopes to broaden and deepen the range of programs and content it broadcasts on television, radio and online. But, without a considerable new investment by the Government, SBS will not be able to continue to deliver its unique service and we are likely to be marginalised in the new digital media environment.' (www.

If SBS received more funding, Mr Brown said it would be used to:

* add at least 100 more hours per year of original Australian multicultural programming on television by 2012.

* expand SBS's programming of the best of overseas content across four digital TV channels by 2013 starting with a fully fledged second channel (SBS World) next year

* create nine, new digital radio channels over the next six years

* make all our content available streamed or on-demand over SBS online service

“Public broadcasters such as SBS are well placed, although not well resourced, to experiment and innovate in the digital space,” he said.

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/alimoore.bmp[/img]Access ABC: Ali Moore has swapped late nights for early mornings, TV for radio and Sydney for Melbourne to take on her latest challenge: covering Jon Faine's Morning program on 774 ABC Melbourne for the rest of the year.Now six weeks into her Mornings gig, Ali is starting to relax.(Perhaps not quite as relaxed as long-time presenter Jon Faine, who's currently undertaking a road trip of a lifetime to London with his son.)

After 20 years of reporting mostly hard-core news and current affairs - the last 10 covering business - Ali's been making the transition to the pace of morning radio from her regular role as host of Lateline Business.

She says it's an enormous challenge, but one she's relishing.

"It's the sheer range and breadth of topics we cover - I do on average between 14 and 16 interviews a morning," Ali said. That's in contrast to Lateline Business or the 7.30 Report (she's a regular fill-in host), where Ali spends most of the day preparing for one, or sometimes two, interviews.

"It's a very different, fast moving set-up (in radio). We're a small team so we all hunker down and get on with it - it's not like we've got researchers," she laughed.

Ali has filled in before for a week or two, but her approach this time is different, given the length of her stint.

"I need to keep remembering the key is to create a relaxed atmosphere. I'm in people's lounge rooms and in their cars. I'm really enjoying the talkback side and feeling like I get to dip in and out of conversations across the morning."

Another highlight is the Conversation Hour slot from 11am (broadcast across Victoria). "I love that point in the program where you can take a deep breath, knowing you're going to have the luxury of time to talk to some really interesting people."

She said the trickiest bit is "to put more of me into it. I've been in this game for over 20 years and the aim has always been that I'm not the story. I think that's a big challenge as well - to learn to be a bit more me rather than the news and current affairs face."

In some ways Ali has come full circle. She began her career as a cadet at 3LO and after six years with radio news and current affairs, she went north to Beijing in 1992 as the ABC's China correspondent.

She then moved to Channel Nine where she spent a decade as a business reporter and host of Business Sunday. In 2006 she returned to the ABC to present Lateline Business.

So has she found it liberating to step out of the business arena for a few months?

"Definitely. One of the most enjoying parts of this role is being able to get away from straight business and to mix things up. That said, the great irony is for me as a fill-in presenter is that the team can throw me any business story and I'm not fussed, but throw me a sports story and I do get fussed," she joked.

A brave admission perhaps to make in sports-mad Melbourne, but then Ali can always play her home-town advantage.

"I'm often asked why I do radio in Melbourne when I live in Sydney. That answer is actually really easy for me: it's because I grew up in Melbourne, and it's home."

Despite living in Sydney for the last decade or so Ali doesn't think she could do the same role there. "I feel much more comfortable here - Melbourne is a place I get."

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/idoldwts.PNG[/img]For the next couple of months Channel 10's Australian Idol will go up against Channel 7's Dancing With The Stars in the all important 7.30pm Sunday night timeslot. There is a breakfast radio connection between the two programs that may start a little off screen rivalary!

Dancing With The Stars co-host Sonia Kruger and dance judge Todd McKenney, who co-host Sydney's Mix 1065 breakfast together are up against Australian Idol judge Kyle Sandilands who is co-host of 2DAY FM's breakfast program.

Australian Idol judge Ian 'Dicko' Dickson is one third of Melbourne's Vega 91.5 breakfast , while one of his radio rivals, 774's breakfast presenter Red Symons is part of D.W.T.S's dancing contestants.

Vision Australia Radio is a network of community radio stations throughout Melbourne, regional Victoria and southern New South Wales. The service provides news, information and entertainment for people who are unable to read standard printed material.

By offering this broadcasting service, Vision Australia Radio makes it possible for everyone in the community to enjoy the same level of access to information.

Vision Australia Radio is operated by Vision Australia and relies on a large base of volunteers from the local community who produce and present the programs.

If you are seriously looking for something to add to your property portfolio then look no further!PerthNow reports of a house owned by 6PR's drive presenter Howards Sattler that has been reduced by almost $1 million after a 10-month stint for sale. The colonial, two-level residence has been slashed from the ``high $6 million mark'' to $5.75 million. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24267625-2761,00.html]Full story[/link]

Just over three weeks ago when we ran the Get rich quick article on former child actor turned radioman Danny Bonaduce we had no idea how internet website schemes were the modern day replacement of the ghosting door to door insurance sales people! 'Earn a buck everytime you knock' has been replaced with 'earn a buck everytime they click!'Away from Danny Bonaduce and closer to home it seems like there are a couple of former radio people who have taken to internet to tell us how to make a packet, check out the links and come to your own conclusions. HERE and HERE

ABC drive presenter Richard Glover and SMH contributor has written to Fairfax management on behalf of fellow Fairfax contributors, stating they will have to sack them too if they go ahead with Mike Carlton's sacking.Carlton, who is also breakfast presenter on the Fairfax owned 2UE, was sacked yesterday for refusing to cross the picket line to write his weekly column for the SMH's Saturday edition.

2UE breakfast presenter Mike Carlton has been sacked by the Sydney Morning Herald for refusing to write his weekly column during the current strike. It is under clear at this stage how the sacking will impact on his role with 2UE which is also owned by the Fairfax controlled SMH.

Carlton, a member of the journalists' union, the MEAA, took the stand on the grounds that filing the column amounted to crossing a picket line.

He told ABC Radio in Sydney off air that he could not discuss the situation on the ABC because of his contract with Fairfax Radio, which owns 2UE, where he does the breakfast show.

But ABC Radio said he had confirmed that he had been "let go" for not filing the column for the Saturday edition.

Fairfax Media staff in Sydney and Melbourne went on strike yesterday until Monday over the company's plans to cut 550 jobs.

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/vote.bmp[/img]Just two months after announcing he was quitting radio to spend more time with his young family former Mix 106.3 Canberra breakfast presenter Mark Parton is going to try his hand at politics. He will announce today he is standing as an Independent for the seat of Ginninderra with the financial backing of the Canberra Business Club. The Canberra Time has more [link=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/parton-to-stand-as-the-voice-of-reason/1257288.aspx]here[/link]

This morning after 26 years in radio Pat Morrish will hang her headphones up for the final time. Pat who has been the voice of the ABC Far North morning program for the past decade is looking forward to retirement. She had previously held various roles with the ABC in Cairns and was also proud of a 4 year stint with 4AM.Along with her husband, Bob, and dog, Grinchy they plan to soon embark on a caravanning trip around the country that may take the best part of 5 to 6 months.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has announced the appointment of Michele Bawden, one of the sectors most experienced and knowledgeable identities, as General Manager.

Commenting on her appointment, Michele said, “I am honoured and excited to have the opportunity to lead the CBAA. While there are plenty of challenges ahead for our sector, I have faith in our ingenuity, resilience and creativity [link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/612.html]Read the entire article[/link]

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of 2TEN Tenterfield, Tenterfield & District Community FM Radio Association Inc, breached a condition of its licence by failing to encourage members of the community it serves to participate in the operations of the service and in the selection and provision of programs.

Tenterfield & District Community FM Radio Association Inc holds a community broadcasting licence to provide a radio service in the Tenterfield RA1 licence area, which includes the local government areas of Tenterfield in New South Wales and Stanthorpe in Queensland.

ACMA’s investigation found that 2TEN did not have formal structures in place to ensure that it was encouraging participation from members of the community in all aspects of the operations of the service.

The investigation did note that 2TEN has already made improvements, including the establishment of formal sub-committees.

ACMA has asked 2TEN to provide a report in February 2009 on the measures it has taken since the investigation was finalised to meet its licence obligations.

ACMA’s investigation followed a complaint that 2TEN was not encouraging community participation in the operations and programming of the service. The complainant also alleged that the service was failing to represent its community interest in line with its licence conditions. However, ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee was meeting the requirements of this licence condition.

A copy of the investigation report 1968 is available on the ACMA website.

BackgrounderACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:

a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; orthe ABC or SBS of a code of practice.If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.

However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.

There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.

As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that people who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.

When making a complaint to ACMA, people must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges all complaints in writing.

For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to provide its perspectives. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.

When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – it might be in the form of a letter or, alternatively, it could be in the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.

Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.

Under the Act, ACMA has a discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA’s usual practice is to publish such reports. However, ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that Bundaberg Burnett Community Broadcasting Association Inc, the licensee of Bundaberg temporary community broadcasting service 96.3fm, breached the licence condition to encourage community participation.

In addition to the complaint that the licensee does not encourage participation, ACMA received other complaints including the licensee’s failure to keep a record of programs broadcast, broadcasting advertisements and not continuing to represent the community interest. ACMA found the licensee only breached the condition to encourage participation.

This licence condition requires licensees to encourage members of its community to participate in the operations and programming of the service. This recognises that involving the community in the selection of programs promotes community access and diversity of programming, particularly material of local significance.

One of the principal ways in which community broadcasting licensees can encourage members of the community to participate in the operations of the service is through membership. Another important way in which community broadcasting licensees can encourage members of the community to participate in the service is through the provision of programs. A community broadcasting service is generally one that provides programming not only for its community but by its community.

This is the first time that the licensee has breached a licence condition since the initial allocation of a temporary community broadcasting licence in December 2002.

In these circumstances, ACMA does not propose to take any formal enforcement action. However, ACMA will continue to monitor the licensee’s compliance with its licence conditions.

A copy of Investigation Report No. 1973 is available on the ACMA website.

BackgrounderACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:

a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; orthe ABC or SBS of a code of practice.If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.

However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.

There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.

As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that people who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.

When making a complaint to ACMA, people must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges all complaints in writing.

For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to provide its perspectives. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.

When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – it might be in the form of a letter or, alternatively, it could be in the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.

Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.

Under the Act, ACMA has a discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA’s usual practice is to publish such reports. However, ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.

They may have been partying at the Morning Show Boot Camp earlier this month, but for the rank-and-file DJ, 2008 has been a difficult year. Downsizing, voicetracking, longer shifts, and salary cuts are all part of the new reality for many on-air folks.

And then there's a recent article we spotted online by CareerBuilder.com's Rachel Zupek, "10 Evolving Jobs." It's a listing of professions that may be on thin ice because of technology advances and other changes in the occupational infrastructure of America.

Here's the list:

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers and weighersData entry and information processing workersFire and order clerksPhotographic process workersTelephone operatorsPharmacy aidesBindery workersRadio and television announcersFloral designersTelemarketersSo, there it is - right between bindery workers and floral designers. As Zupek notes, the average salary of $36,120 for radio and television announcers is actually higher than for these other nine professions. But according to her analysis, "New technology and advancement of other media sources like satellite radio and syndicated programming means less need for radio and TV announcers."

I'd suggest something different. Get out in the community, and build your own personal brand as a part and apart from the station you work for. Become great at personal and sales appearances. Learn how to do other jobs at the station, whether it's production or music scheduling. Work your audience, answer your phones, return emails and texts, and create a local bond with listeners. Become involved with local charities and good causes. Develop a voiceover business or become the PA announcer for the local sports team.

Actor turned radio presenter Kate Ritchie says she’s become more confident over the last few months and is happier than ever behind the microphone.When the Gold Logie winner joined Merrick Watts and Tim Rosso on Sydney’s Nova 969 breakfast radio show in January she was immediately thrown in the deep end, interviewing big stars like US singer Fergie in her first week.It was an adjustment after 20 years on the TV soapie Home and Away, but Ritchie now feels she’s found her feet. Full story [link=http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=5&ContentID=94752]The West Australian[/link]

Bendigo community station 89.5 Phoenix FM is going to fight tooth and nail not to have the frequency re-allocated to ABC radio for parliamentary broadcasts. They held an emergency meeting on Monday evening to to form an action plan in order to retain the current frequency.Federal Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons had already started a petition to save the station and the group now plan to get behind that 100 percent. Phoenix FM vice-president Brad Warren said the group hoped to get at least 10,000 signatures. There will be a rally held in Bendigo's Rosalind Park on Thursday September 11 with the petition to be delivered to Mr Gibbons at the conclusion. To pledge your support email phoenix@cvcb.org.au.

Former Triple M presenter Doug Mulray has declined to be involved with the rebirthing of Australia's Naughtiest Home Videos which goes to air tonight on Channel Nine. Tonights program will be hosted by Bert Newton however 16 years ago when the program was first screened it was pulled from air 35 minutes into the show.At the time Nine owner Kerry Packer, who was watching from home, rang the station and demanded the show be pulled off air at once and it was.Mulray has refused to pass public comment on the rebirthing, either out of respect for the late KP or possibly himself.

"ABOUT 95% of this is filth," says Cal Wilson as she reads a list of questions submitted by listeners for pop singer Pink. "We can't say any of this on air."Akmal Saleh, who co-hosts Nova's The Wrong Way Home drive show with Wilson and Ed Kavalee, becomes excited. His eyes widen as he digests the double entendres and innuendo-laden queries. "Akmal, don't say that word on air," Wilson warns.Five seconds after returning to air, he says that word, a slang reference to female genitalia."When I gasp, it's genuine," Wilson says later. "But that's what I love about this job. It's like being in the best corner of the party." [link=http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/keeping-the-show-on-the-road/2008/08/26/1219516479394.html]Full article[/link]

Digital radio is high on the agenda for the BIG SOUND Music Industry Summit and Showcase program on Wednesday, 10 September at the Judith Wright Centre. The program will include a panel on the evolution of Digital Radio in Australia and the ways it could change the music industry and the ways Australian’s listen and interact with the communication medium.

Radio experts Joan Warner (CEO of Commercial Radio Australia), Stuart Matchett (Program Director, ABC DIG Internet Radio), Mike Walsh (Head of Music, XFM Network UK), Jarrod Graetz (Program Director, Stripe) and Stuart Buchanan (Media Producer, Community Engine, Fat Planet, FBi Radio) will make up a tasty panel taking on the hot topics including the recent successful tenders focusing on the development of Digital Radio infrastructure in Australia , and the launch of mobile and internet digital service Stripe.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia , Joan Warner, announced in July how the sector was developing towards of Australia ’s migration to a Digital Radio platform.“We are now literally building towards a new era, one that will deliver a multi-media experience to radio listeners, broadcasters and advertisers alike.” Ms Warner said.

Digital radio services are said to begin in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth from early 2009, seeing Ms Warner and other panel associates focusing strongly on this new age media.Stripe is another radio development the panel speakers will address detailing how the new service caters for all music tastes by allowing the public to access 100 stations by the end of 2009, via the internet and 3G mobile phones."We are proud to launch Stripe, a first in Australia offering a huge range of genre specific radio stations and is listener driven,” he said.

“If you've got 3G coverage, you can access your favourite music and programs from your (3G) mobile phone and on broadband internet for less than $10 a month with no ad breaks and less interruptions.” Mr Graetz said.

Joan Warner and Jarrod Graetz will be joined by ABC's Stuart Matchett, XFM UK Program Director Mike Walsh and Stuart Buchanan to present and discuss at BIG SOUND‘s Digital Radio: The New Age summit on 10 September at 4:00pm at the Judith Wright Centre.

Veteran radioman Barry Augustus has died in Queensland. He passed away on Tuesday the 26th of August in Pindara Hospital on the Gold Coast aged 76, one day short of his 77th Birthday.Barry joined 2GB in 1948 as an office boy having being given his first job by the legendary Perc Campbell. His knowledge of the radio serials was second to none however his early days with the station saw him go on to become sound effects operator and audio producer of the Jack Davey and Bob Dyer shows. In 1969 he gave a young kid by the name of Graham Mott his first job in radio. Still to this day Graham Mott credits Barry for his leg up into the industry.Barry worked as 2GB's Operations Manager in the 1970's and after the much hyped but short lived 872GB launch of 1978 he became Manager of the station.After moving north to Brisbane he became manager of 'Beautiful Music 4BH' which at the time topped the ratings.He retired to the Gold Coast with his wife Pauline in 1998 and is survived by his wife and son Michael.

Take a look back at the state of Melbourne radio in the 1960's . Watch for extensive coverage of 3UZ's Lewis Bennett and 3KZ's Les Heil and plenty of studio footage and interviews of the personalities of the day. Don Lunn, Grantly Dee, Stan Rofe, Allan Lappan, John Eden, Keith Livingstone and lots more. In total around 30 minutes of viewing so grab a coffee sit back and enjoy. Many thanks to Vk3ase for making this documentry available online.

BATHURST radio personality Janeen Hosemans has been ordered to work 150 hours unpaid for the community as an alternative to a nine-month gaol sentence following her conviction for social security fraud.Hosemans was last month found guilty following a two-day hearing of receiving a financial advantage from a Commonwealth entity between January and December 2006. She returned to Bathurst Local Court yesterday to be sentenced by magistrate Thomas Hodgson, who remarked on “a sad matter before the court because of difficulties [Hosemans] experienced in her personal life”. Source and full article available here [link=http://bathurst.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/radio-personality-sentenced/1254976.aspx]Western Advocate[/link]

Macquarie Media Group has reported annual profit up more than seven-fold, and says regional advertising sales are tracking as expected in the first quarter of the new financial year. Macquarie Media's result was affected by the absorption of regional tv stations in Australia, by heavy government and political ad spending towards the end of 2007 as the federal election drew near, and by a $255 million profit on the sale of its Taiwan broadband unit. Shares in Macquarie gained as much as 4 cents, or 1.1%, to $3.74 in early trade.

MMG chief executive Mark Dorney said ''Both radio and television benefited from solid local advertising growth throughout the 2008 financial year. ''As expected, national advertising in the December 2007 half was boosted by the Federal Government information campaigns and the 2007 Federal Election. ''Whilst these factors had largely passed when we acquired control of SBC television on 26 October 2007, they positively impacted our radio business.''

Kamahl's tribute song which has been released to celebrate the 100th birthday of the late Don Bradman came about after a chance meeting with ABC 774's Coodabeen Ian Cover. Cover mentioned to singer and fellow Coodabeen Greg Champion that Kamahl was indeed a friend of the Don and the end result is the song 'I Was A Mate Of Don Bradman.'

Kamahl dropped into 3MP breakfast this morning, where John Burgess played the track, before heading off to sister station 1116 SEN. Minutes later Kamahl was heard doing a live commercial read with Billy Brownless before joining the 1116 SEN breakfast team to once again discuss and air the tribute song. [link=http://www.bigpondmusic.com/Album/.../I-Was-A-Mate-Of-Don-Bradman.aspx] Download the song here via Bigpondmusic [/link]

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/new-site200.jpg[/img]Hot on the heels of new stand alone websites for 4BH and Magic 1278 Fairfax talk stations 4BC and 3AW are set for new sites by the end of this week. Check out [link=http://www.4bh.com.au/]4BH here [/link]and [link=http://www.magic1278.com.au/]Magic here[/link].

Steve Olech, the Port Adelaide Power's general manager of commercial operations has resigned from the AFL club to return to radio . Olech's departure will see him return to the DMG radio group, as its commercial manager after three years at Alberton.

Newspaper, radio and internet group Fairfax Media will sack 550 staff as it struggles to contain costs following its merger last year with Rural Press and its acquisition of Southern Cross, amid a downturn across the media sector. More [link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24243132-643,00.html]The Australian[/link]

ACMA press release: Listeners in the Ilford and Pyramul townships of New South Wales will be able to access Mudgee commercial radio service 2GEE, following the approval of a variation to the Local Area Plan (LAP) by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

The variation to the LAP for Mudgee radio services allows the extension of the 2GEE commercial radio service to include the townships of Ilford and Pyramul and to move the site of its Kandos/Rylstone translator.

"In making its decision, ACMA took into consideration that neither Pyramul nor Illford currently receive a licensed commercial radio service. ACMA believes the changes will allow people to enjoy the benefits of commercial radio that they did not have before, whilst also limiting the level of signal overspill into any neighbouring licence areas," said Giles Tanner, General Manager, Inputs to Industry Division.

The proposed extended 2GEE licence area will border the Bathurst commercial radio licence area and bring it close to the northern part of the Lithgow commercial radio licence area. However, ACMA has planned the service to ensure there is no signal overspill into urban centres in any of these licence areas.

The extension will add to the existing licence area overlap between 2GEE and the licence area of the remote commercial radio services 4RBZ and 4RBL.

The decision is contained in a variation to the licence area plan for Mudgee radio, released today. The associated documents are available for viewing from the ACMA website or by calling 1300 850 115.

BackgrounderACMA prepares licence area plans under section 26(1) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act).

Licence area plans determine the number and characteristics, including technical specifications, of broadcasting services that are to be available in particular areas of Australia with the use of broadcasting services bands. ACMA may vary licence area plans under section 26(2) of the Act.

In June 1997, the then Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) determined the licence area plan for Mudgee, making capacity available for a S.39 licence (2GEE) in Mudgee on 93.1 MHz with an omni-directional radiation pattern using mixed polarisation and a maximum ERP of 10 kW.

The ABA also made channel capacity available for a FM translator service from Cumber Melon Range broadcasting an omni-directional radiation pattern on 91.7 MHz using mixed polarisation with a maximum ERP of 1 kW. The Cumber Melon translator has never been operated by 2GEE.

In May 2005, the licensee of 2GEE requested a change of site for its FM translator service to Mt Bocoble and that the licence area for 2GEE to be extended to the Mid Western Regional Council boundary.

ACMA assessed that this proposal would effectively double the existing licence area and cause significant signal overlap into surrounding commercial radio licence areas. ACMA instead proposed a reduced licence area extension to ensure there is no signal overspill into the Bathurst and Lithgow commercial radio licence areas and would lessen the overlap with the Remote Commercial Radio North Eastern licence area.

DMG's Nova network has debuted 'Backstage' hosted by James Mathison and Ricki Lee. The program will continue for the next few Monday nights at 6.00pm with behind the scene features and gossip from the 2008 season of Australian Idol.

Listeners of 702 know James Valentine loves to experiment on air and test the medium but his latest idea is his strangest yet. On November 11, he will present a radio talkback show at the Basement. Afternoons At Night At The Basement will be a combination of Valentine on the saxophone, interspersed with his regular talkback segments from the afternoon program such as The Form Guide, The Rant and the topic of the day. But here's the twist. The audience will phone and text Valentine from their tables. "I just think it's a really funny idea to literally duplicate the talkback audience in a live room," he says. Full story [link=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/like-a-sax-machine/2008/08/23/1219262604015.html]SMH[/link]

Austereo Group has posted a lift in full year net profit after its buoyancy in ratings helped drive an increase in advertising, and said it's well placed to capitalise on future advertising opportunities.

Austereo reported a 5.1 per cent lift in net profit to $48.824 million for the year ended June 30, 2008.

The owner of the Triple M and Today radio networks posted a 4.6 per cent lift in revenue to $266.722 million.

"Austereo is uniquely placed, through its current leading ratings and sales share, to capitalise on future advertising market uplift,'' chief executive Michael Anderson said

Sonia Kruger and Todd McKenney will be simulcasting their radio show into Melbourne's Mix 101.1 while Brigitte, George & Tom are taking a week's holiday from Mon 01/09. You will be able to hear Sonia & Todd between 5:30am & 9am on both Mix 101.1 and Mix 106.5.

Furthermore Sonia & Todd will be broadcasting their Sydney breakfast show from the Mix Melbourne studios on most Monday mornings after each Sunday night episode of Dancing With The Stars.

Watch for extensive coverage of 3UZ's Lewis Bennett and 3KZ's Les Heil and plenty of studio footage and interviews of the personalities of the day. Don Lunn, Grantly Dee, Stan Rofe, Allan Lappan, John Eden, Keith Livingstone and lots more. Thought to be long lost you can now sit back, enjoy and view this entire documentry here

Macquarie Radio Network Limited (MRN) flagged its full year 2008 NPAT would be 17.9% lower at $4.42 million. The company said the result was driven by increased expenditures on web media.

Expenditure increased by 8.4% to $38.4 million, with Radio expenses up 2.5% and new media expenses increasing by 127% as four websites were rolled out across the year.

On the other hand, Radio and Other Revenue increased 1.71% while New Media Revenue increased 121.32%. Full story [link=http://www.livenews.com.au/Articles/2008/08/22/Macquarie_Radio_FY_profit_dialled_down_179]LIVENEWS[/link]

Over 100 detailed market profiles of regional and metropolitan commercial radio areas have been released today to stations and advertisers nationwide and will provide an invaluable reference tool for advertising on radio.

The Commercial Radio Market Profiles, collated every five years, provide details on individual radio markets throughout Australia including all the commercial stations in the area and various demographic breakdowns. These include age, labour force details, income brackets of listeners in the area as well as an area profile of main industries, plus employment and educational qualifications of the workforce.

The commercial radio licence area profiles have been collated using a range of official data sources, including the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of 2006, and are based on radio licence areas determined by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). They include the main metropolitan city markets throughout Australia as well as regional radio licence areas.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said the profiles have been designed to help radio stations, advertising agencies, media agency buyers and planners better understand the markets commercial radio stations serve.

“These detailed market profiles are designed to provide advertisers with a better understanding of the markets, the size, specific demographic breakdown and the opportunities available, particularly for regional radio, where easy access to this type of information is not always available,” Ms Warner said.

“The profiles will assist with the planning of effective ad campaigns for specific local areas across both regional and metropolitan Australia. Commercial radio stations are an integral part of the local communities that they serve. These profiles will help make that relationship even more relevant.”

The profiles are available at www.commercialradio.com.au and CD ROMS are also being distributed to stations throughout the nation.

Did you know?? *over 22% of households in Canberra have a household income of more than $130,000 p.a

*more than 72% of households in Canberra have access to the internet and over half have two cars

*Over 8.2 million kilograms of peanuts in the shell are produced each year in Kingaroy from 1.2 million nut trees in the region

*the population of the radio license area of Warrnambool has increased by nearly 5% since 2001 to 52,515. Over 48% of the population is aged over 40 years.

It was the night of the 2006 Logie Awards and Felicity Ward was feeling glamorous. As her limousine pulled up to the red carpet, she prepared for the onslaught of flashbulbs and shrieking fans. Nervously, she stepped from the car, followed by the rest of The Ronnie Johns Half Hour cast. And then: nothing.

"After they realised we weren't from Home & Away, there was this dead silence," says Ward, who hosts The Comedy Hour on 774 ABC. "The crickets were chirping and I think I could hear a crow in background. So they ushered us up the red carpet and on to a podium to have our picture taken.[link=http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/tv-funny-girl-finds-her-niche-on-air/2008/08/20/1218911800796.html]Full article here[/link]

ABC press release: Catchment Detox, this year's national project for National Science Week, is a major initiative by the ABC and its partners to help Australians better understand and manage the environment they live in. The radio series, featuring environmental journalist Michael Mackenzie, will take a practical look at the issues facing many of our own catchments, with hints and tips on catchment management.

The free online game, catchmentdetox.net.au (http://catchmentdetox.net.au/), begins with a catchment in critical condition and through virtual years, decisions must be made on how to restore and sustain it, balancing three basic factors: the health of the environment, the economy and population growth.

“Catchment Detox is a multi-platform project with a 'sim' style game at its centre where players must deal with the environmental challenges facing us all,” said Ian Carroll, Director ABC Innovation.

Sue Howard, Director ABC Radio & Regional Content, says the radio component will support and enhance the experience of the online game.

"To assist players and give listeners a greater understanding of catchment management, ABC Local Radio will broadcast insights into five key elements of natural resource management: surface water, ground water, biodiversity, soil health and community sustainability," she said.

The radio series will be broadcast over a two week period, 25 August - 5 September, coinciding with a competition where the top player will win a trip for two to one of Australia's most pristine catchments - Lake Argyle in the Kimberleys. To be in the running to win players must register their score prior to 5 September. A special school prize is also available for school groups who register.

All radio programs will be available as podcasts following broadcast and, along with the game, will remain part of the detailed website as an ongoing resource. To visit the website or play Catchment Detox go to: catchmentdetox.net.au (http://catchmentdetox.net.au/.

Catchment Detox is an ABC initiative in partnership with eWater, the CSIRO, the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and National Science week. Catchment Detox is based on an original idea by Natural Resource Management advisor Tim Stubbs and consultant Lucy Broad.

The Federal Government has moved a step closer to handing Pulse Radio's 94.7FM bandwidth to the ABC. The Australian Communications and Media Authority yesterday asked for written submissions from the public into their proposal to take the bandwidth transmitted from Murradoc Hill. But local community radio station the Pulse already holds the bandwidth on a temporary licence and is expected to receive hefty compensation should it be shifted. The establishment of a local ABC station was originally a Howard government election promise from 2004. More The Geelong Advertiser

Melbourne radio station 1611 3XX has ceased transmission and is is now offering an audio stream on-line, listen live In what is being described as an oversight, the licence renewal was sent to an old mailing address. By the time the station received the renewal and made contact to the ACMA the licence had been sold. It is understood that [link=http://www.noisefm.com.au]Noise FM[/link] have now secured the 1611 licence.

3XX first went to air in 2002 and has been best known for their mix of 80s and 90s hits and dance music amongst other related genres. They have also covered VFL football with live weekend calls since 2007. [link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3XX]Wiki here[/link]

Helmes Media Solutions will provide Lithgow Radio Station Ezy FM 90.5 with their daily local news bulletins. They currently also provide daily local news bulletins to Crow FM in Kingaroy Queensland, and 3MBR Murrayville Victoria.

Helmes Media Solutions and Ezy FM sign Local News Agreement

Helmes Media Solutions will provide Lithgow Radio Station Ezy FM 90.5 with their daily local news bulletins.

The progressive station, which broadcasts across the historic city on the Western edge of the Blue Mountains, is looking forward to providing its growing listener base with a comprehensive local news service.

Helmes Media Solutions General Manager Joel Helmes says the announcement shows there is a real demand for professional news resources in the community radio sector.

“Most community stations rely solely on volunteers, but to stay relevant to listeners we are seeing more services such as ours being adopted”.

“We offer a service that is a great sales tool for stations, a major plus for listeners and greater news presence in these markets which can only be a good thing for the broader communities”.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of 8TOP, Charles Darwin University, breached conditions of its licence by failing to encourage members of the community it serves to participate in the operations of the service and in the selection and provision of programs. ACMA also found that the licensee breached conditions of its licence by broadcasting advertisements.

Charles Darwin University holds a community broadcasting licence to provide a community radio broadcasting service for Darwin.

ACMA’s investigation found that 8TOP did not have adequate measures in place to encourage participation in the operations of its service. At the time of the investigation, 8TOP had a number of active volunteers and some committees for community input into decision-making. However, information about how members of the community could become involved was very difficult to find and invitations were worded in a way that was likely to discourage involvement. In addition, 8TOP’s published policies indicated that the community did not have significant input into the selection of programs for the service, except in a very limited way through feedback about the selection of music on 8TOP’s website.

ACMA’s view is that compliance with this licence condition is a key characteristic of community broadcasting services and non-compliance with these conditions is a serious matter.

8TOP has agreed to a range of measures to promote compliance and will report to ACMA on its progress. In light of these circumstances, ACMA will take any further non-compliance particularly seriously and would consider formal enforcement action.

Community radio stations are prohibited from broadcasting advertisements but may broadcast up to five minutes of sponsorship announcements in any hour. Under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, sponsorship announcements on community radio must include an appropriate acknowledgement of financial support (a ‘tag’), otherwise they can be considered to be advertisements.

ACMA found that 8TOP broadcast advertisements in August and September 2007. The advertisements included promotional material presented during the program Territory Talk and announcements for the Workplace Information Line.

8TOP has discontinued the Talking Travel segment of its Territory Talk show and advises that it has policies in place to ensure it properly tags sponsorship announcements. ACMA is satisfied that its non-compliance arose from a misunderstanding about its obligations and is confident that 8TOP will seek to comply with this licence condition in the future. ACMA will monitor compliance over the next twelve months.

ACMA received three complaints about 8TOP which it investigated at the same time as assessing 8TOP’s application for renewal of its licence. Two of the complaints also alleged that the service was failing to represent its community interest in line with its licence conditions. However, ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee was meeting the requirements of this licence condition. 8TOP’s licence was renewed by ACMA for a period of five years commencing on 2 August 2008.

Investigation Report No. 1847/1879 and 1905 detail measures 8TOP will take to promote compliance and are available on the ACMA website.

BackgrounderACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:

a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; orthe ABC or SBS of a code of practice.If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.

However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.

There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.

As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that people who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.

When making a complaint to ACMA, people must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges all complaints in writing.

For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to provide its perspectives. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.

When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – it might be in the form of a letter or, alternatively, it could be in the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.

Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.

Under the Act, ACMA has discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA’s usual practice is to publish such reports. However, ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.

Jamie Angel will take up the role of Austereo's national digital radio Content Director. Derek Bargwanna (92.9 Perth) is set to take over Jamie’s role as Content Director of 2DAY FM. NX-KOFM Newcastle Content Director Mickey Maher is on the move again, this time this time to the west where he will take over Derek Bargwanna's position as Content Director of 92.9FM.

Rod and The Flack will take over the breakfast program at Star 104.5 Central Coast replacing Vic Davies and Lisa McKoy. The Vic & Lisa breakfast show will air fot the last time on Friday September 12th with Rod and The Flack kicking off on the following Monday. Rod and The Flack were previously heard on 96 FM Nights after a short stint of 7 weeks on breakfast.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is seeking written submissions from the public on proposals to make channels available for ABC radio services in the Bendigo, Colac and Geelong areas of Victoria and the Townsville area of Queensland.

ACMA is proposing to make channel capacity available in Bendigo, Colac and Townsville to enable the ABC to provide its NewsRadio service. In Geelong ACMA proposes to make channel capacity available for an extension of the ABC’s Local Radio service.

‘The proposed changes are part of a broader plan to extend these ABC services to all transmission areas of Australia with a population of 10,000 or more,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

Spectrum is congested for high power services in each of these regions and ACMA was unable to identify any vacant FM frequencies that could be used for the ABC services. ACMA is therefore proposing to vary the frequency of various existing services in the radio markets for the introduction of these services.

‘The proposals to make frequencies available for ABC radio services would require changes to the transmission arrangements of some existing broadcasting services and ACMA is keen to receive community feedback on this issue,’ Mr Chapman said.

ACMA’s proposed variations to existing services in each of the areas are outlined in the attached backgrounder.

Details of the proposed changes are contained in the explanatory papers and draft variations to the Bendigo, Colac, Geelong, Charters Towers and Townsville radio licence area plans released for public comment today.

The explanatory papers, draft variations to the licence area plans and other related documents are available on the ACMA website, or by calling 1300 850 115.

The closing date for comments on these proposals is 5:00pm, Friday 19 September 2008.

BackgrounderLicence area plans determine the number and characteristics, including technical specifications, of broadcasting services that are to be available in particular areas of Australia with the use of the broadcasting services bands.

ACMA prepares licence area plans under section 26(1) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act), and may vary them under section 26(2).

Proposed changes to existing servicesBendigoACMA is proposing that the ABC NewsRadio service operate on 89.5 MHz from Mount Alexander. This frequency is currently used on a share time basis by Goldfields Community Radio Co-operative and Phoenix FM under temporary community broadcasting licences (TCBLs).

As a result, ACMA is also proposing to change the frequency of the community radio service from 89.5 MHz to 101.5 MHz which also incorporates changes to the technical operating conditions. The frequency 101.5 MHz is currently used by the temporary community broadcaster, Central Victorian Gospel Radio. All three temporary broadcasters may share that spectrum if the proposal is adopted. This will ensure that spectrum continues to be made available for TCBLs in Bendigo until the allocation of the long-term community broadcasting licence can commence.

ColacACMA is proposing that the ABC NewsRadio service operate on 104.7 MHz from Warrion Hill. This frequency is currently used by the Colac community radio station 3OCR.

As a result, ACMA is also proposing to change the frequency of 3OCR from 104.7 MHz to 98.3 MHz which also incorporates changes to the technical operating conditions. This will ensure that spectrum continues to be made available for the community radio service in Colac.

GeelongACMA is proposing that the ABC Local Radio service operate on 94.7 MHz from Murradoc Hill. This frequency is currently used by Geelong Ethnic Communities Inc. to broadcast The Pulse under a temporary community broadcasting licence.

As a result, ACMA is also proposing to change the frequency of the community radio service from 94.7 MHz to 91.9 MHz which also incorporates changes to the technical operating conditions. This will ensure that spectrum continues to be made available for TCBLs in Geelong until the allocation of the long-term community broadcasting licence can commence.

Charters Towers and TownsvilleACMA has identified two FM channels, 94.3 MHz and 93.5 MHz, available for use for ABC NewsRadio in Townsville and Townsville North. However these frequencies would first be subject to on air tests to identify any potential interference issues. The testing of these frequencies requires relocation of two other services operating in the area.

ACMA is proposing to relocate a high power open narrowcasting (HPON) service in Charters Towers to 98.3 MHz and a community radio service in Bowen to 95.9 MHz.

These services are currently operating on the same frequency to that of the planned frequency for ABC NewsRadio in Townsville. It is proposed that the change of frequency for these services occur at this time to facilitate the testing outlined above. Testing cannot be conducted while these services operate on their current frequencies and is expected to take six weeks.

The draft licence area plan variation also proposes to make channel capacity available on 96.7 MHz for an ABC NewRadio service at Bowen where spectrum has been identified as available.

MACQUARIE Radio chief executive Angela Clark has questioned the veracity of listeners' diaries that have seen the ABC's rookie announcer Deborah Cameron surge in the ratings in her first year on radio.

Cameron has set new records in the morning slot in the crucial Sydney market, despite critics claiming the former Fairfax journalist's broadcasts have come across as bumbling and amateurish.

In the most recent survey, the ABC 702 reported an audience share of more than 10 per cent, outstripping previous bests by the more polished Virginia Trioli and Sally Loane.

Ms Clark said that Cameron's surge was due to a glitch in the manual diary system used by listeners to chart their radio habits, rather than any real assault by Cameron on the ratings. Read the entire article [link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24195860-30540,00.html]The Australian [/link]

'The Saint' AKA Dante St James is leaving Hobart's 7HO FM breakfast shift this coming Friday. After a break and a bit of fishing Dante will return to Hobart in couple of weeks in a new Online & Multimedia role with Grant Broadcasters. ( owners of 7HO FM)

Former Australian Radio Network Steve Smith has taken over as chief operating officer of Arabian Radio Network (ARN). This was announced by Abdullatif Al Sayegh, chief executive officer of Arab Media Group (AMG), the largest media organisation in the UAE.In his new role, Smith is mandated to continue the growth of the network, develop programming and revenue for ARN’s existing nine stations, and chart a course for further expansion.[link=http://www.business24-7.ae/articles/2008/8/pages/newcoototakearntothenextlevel.aspx]Full Article here[/link]

SKY race caller Matthew Hill has been evacuated to a Hong Kong hospital and is in an induced coma after collapsing with suspected pneumonia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.Matthew fell ill on the weekend while working Macquarie Radio at the rowing regatta, he then spent most of his time studio based to combat the health concerns. He collapsed from heat-stress on Monday.He appeared to recover after being rehydrated but Hill's condition deteriorated rapidly and unexpectedly on Tuesday night. He has now been placed in an induced coma as he is flown to a Hong Kong hospital in a specially equiped medical evacuation aircraft. His parents and brother are now flying from Melbourne to be with him in Hong Kong.

After two months of successful trials D-Star today launches the worldwide industry standard in music delivery, PLAY MPE, in the Australian market.“Our trials have been overwhelmingly positive with takeup of the system well ahead of schedule,” said D-Star CEO Peter Skillman.“Play MPE is the only system that allows forensic targeting of tracks to radio, the sending of full albums, video previews and promotional material all in one place and our radio users have embraced that with open arms.”

Play MPE has received acclaim from users in all major networks for its ability to provide full HD audio as well as the flexibility of exporting tracks direct to iPod, creating the ultimate in flexibility for Music Directors right around Australia.The system is currently delivering tracks for EMI, Universal, Warner, MGM, Inertia, Shock, Liberation and a host of other labels ensuring a comprehensive library for radio stations that never expires. With more content and labels joining the system in the coming months, PLAY MPE continues to expand to other media including print, internet and TV. [link=http://www.dstarmpe.com ]D-Star site [/link]

The rumours are in full swing as to who will replace Triple M's The Shebang breakfast show in 2009. From Tony Martin, Phil O'Neil, Doug Mulray, Wil Anderson, Anthony Lehmann, Peter Berner and even Hamish & Andy who could possibly triple the current ratings! The SMH has a related article

Triple J have kicked off their daily dose of Olympics highlights The Gol;den Ring Show! Hosted by those two old China hands, the Crouching Tiger Rampaging ROY SLAVEN and the Hidden Dragon H.G. NELSON. In todays episode, they went to the wilds of the Forbidden City and got stuck into Andrew Bogurt for being a tad slack. [link=http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/triplej/tsl/goldenring_08_11.mp3]Listen[/link]

CRA Press release: Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner is meeting with Chinese broadcast regulator, SARFT, and major Chinese broadcasters in Beijing this week to discuss Australia’s plans for the switch-on of digital radio next year.

Australia is leading countries like Germany, Italy, Switzerland and many in the Asia Pacific region in the adoption of the DAB+ digital format, and has gained international recognition for being at the forefront of digital radio innovation and policy development.

Ms Warner said the Chinese regulator, which has currently only approved the more basic, older DAB digital format, was interested in learning more about Australia’s rationale for the adoption of DAB+

“Australia is leading the world in the development of multi-media applications and also broadcasting the DAB+ standard on air in preparation for switch-on . The Australian trial is also assisting leading receiver manufacturers in the UK and Asia in DAB+ product development,” Ms Warner said.

Whilst in Beijing, Ms Warner is also meeting with two major Chinese broadcasters, Beijing Jolon and Shanghai OPG.

Digital radio will be free-to-air in Australia. Listeners will need a new digital radio receiver to take advantage of the service. Commercial Radio Australia has been working with leading radio receiver manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to encourage a full range of DAB+ products to be offered in the lead-up to Xmas ’08.

Ms Warner will also be meeting with Chinese receiver manufacturers in Shanghai. “Digital radios will come in all shapes and sizes to suit the individual listener. Some very thin and light with a screen to display images, others will take the form of a very simple clock radio, hi fi or MP3 device. I am keen to see what the Chinese manufacturers have available.”

AM and FM analogue radio services will continue to be broadcast in Australia following the launch of digital radio, however with an estimated 50 million analogue radios in Australian homes there is a huge market for digital receivers.

Free-to-air digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth on 1 January 2009.

Wollongong MP Noreen Hay is considering legal action against Wollongong Against Corruption spokesperson Paul Matters after comments he made about her on Vox FM earlier this year.

Ms Hay said the comments, which were made during Mr Matters' Saturday afternoon Vox FM radio show, Struggle Street, were a personal attack on her appearance and she later complained to the community radio station's management in a letter, which has since been leaked to the Mercury.[link=http://illawarra.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/hay-outraged-by-matters-radio-attack/1240181.aspx]Read the entire article [/link]

He’s got a job as a radio talk show host on KLSX 97.1 in Los Angeles, but he’s now lending his name to something that could lead to trouble. Danny Bonaduce joined one of those pyramid type businesses that sets up a ready-made-web-page. [link=http://www.hollywoodgrind.com/danny-bonaduce-sinks-to-new-low-with-extra-income-website/]Full story here[/link]. Would never happen here, or could it?

3AW's Derryn Hinch will be part of The Rocky Horror when it opens in Melbourne next month. The 64-year-old drive presenter has been cast as the narrator over a four week stint. Speaking during a walk in Melbourne on today, the upbeat radio host said he was feeling fit and healthy and excited about joining the show. "Two years ago, you look at pictures of me then and I was nearly dead," The Rocky Horror Show opens in Melbourne on September 18.

Geelong community radio station The Pulse will find out next month if they are going to be shunted off the 94.7 FM frequency to make way for the ABC. The new Geelong ABC service would be similar to existing services in Bendigo and Ballarat, which provide local breakfast and drive programs plus news coverage. [link=http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/08/06/16905_news.html]More from The Geelong Advertiser[/link]

Australian country music identity Reg Lindsay has died at a Newcastle Hospital, aged 79.He died of pneumonia after a long battle with illness, surrounded by his wife Roslyn and three daughters. In 1994 he suffered a cerebral haemorrhage at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and after a long rehabilitation suffered a heart attack.

Reg’s first radio program was on Radio 2CH in 1952. He took over the morning country music show which was changed to an evening time slot and it was planned to have a live audience in the station’s auditorium while the show was broadcast.

The station really promoted the new show and on the night of the first broadcast there was a huge audience with many people having to be turned away.

After a few months Reg started with Radio 2SM where his program ‘The Reg Lindsay Show’ was broadcast for many years on a regular Saturday night time slot. Reg was also a part of the weekly live-to-air ‘Bonnington’s Bunkhouse Show’ which was broadcast nationally on Radio 2GB.

Triple M's Fifi Box will join Channel Seven's Sunrise in 2009 signalling the demise of The Shebang at the end of this year. At this stage it is not clear what role Fifi will play in the Sunrise program however a Seven spokesman said that Box's position would be announced soon.

The Shebang which is now heard on 2MMM breakfast began life as a drive program on 3MMM as "The Whole Shebang" in 2003 and it will grind to a halt at the end of the year. Fifi will still have some form of radio input with Austereo in 2009 possibly with a packaged network program. As for the rest of the Shebang team, Marty Sheargold has decided to pursue other opportunities at the end of the year while Paul Murray will remain with the station.

[list][link=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/vega-hits-its-number-one-target/2008/08/05/1217702030301.html]SMH Vega hits its number one target[/link][/list][list][link=http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/en-story/1/65227/ABC720-beats-The-Bunch-in-radio-survey-]WA:ABC720 beats The Bunch in radio survey[/link][/list]

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of temporary community broadcasting service, Armidale Community Radio Cooperative Ltd, breached a condition of its licence by failing to encourage members of the community it serves to participate in the operation of the service and in the selection of programs.

Armidale Community Radio Cooperative Ltd holds a temporary community broadcasting licence to provide a radio service to Armidale in northern NSW.

ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee provided only limited opportunities for members of the community to participate in the operations of the service; particularly in the area of decision-making. While the licensee was able to demonstrate that it had actively encouraged community members to participate as presenters, it was unable to provide evidence to demonstrate compliance with the licence condition to encourage community participation in the selection of programs.

The licensee has given ACMA examples of remedial action it has taken and advised it is "looking forward to…greater community participation".

As the temporary community broadcasting licence expires on 3 October 2008, ACMA has asked the licensee to provide a compliance report by the 15 October 2008, for the period 1 July to 30 September 2008.

ACMA’s investigation followed a complaint received on 20 February 2008 that Armidale Community Radio Cooperative Ltd was not encouraging community participation in the operations and programming of the service. The complainant also alleged that the service was failing to represent its community interest in line with its licence conditions. However, ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee was meeting the requirements of this licence condition

3AW's Rex Hunt is at the centre of an alleged road rage incident. He was summoned to an interview at an inner-Melbourne police station on Wednesday over the alleged attack that left a 30-year-old cyclist with a suspected broken finger. [link=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24115809-421,00.html]Further reading related article [/link]

Helmes Media Solutions has expanded its local news service footprint into Victoria and South Australia by entering into a local news supply arrangement with Radio Station 3MBR-FM.

General Manager of Helmes Media Solutions Joel Helmes says stations are looking at the quality of Helmes Media Solutions local news bulletins and seeing that it is both achievable and much more cost effective to outsource local news to his organization.

“We aren’t in the business of making things complicated, we look at a market and say who are the people making and supplying news here”.

“After that it’s just about building relationships and contacts, I think the finished product speaks for itself”.

“I think the best part of what we offer radio stations is the consistency of our service; stations know that every morning a news bulletin containing everything that has happened in their region in the past 24 hours will be waiting for them”.

Helmes Media Solutions also provides daily local news bulletins to Crow FM in Kingaroy and the South Burnett in Queensland and produces some of Australia’s favorite radio segments including Behind the Wheel and New Horizons.

Later this year, the Australian Government will be considering SBS's funding for the period 2009-2012. The period between now and the 2009 Federal Budget will be one of the most important in the history of SBS. Speaking on their [link=http://www.sbs.com.au/future/]website[/link], SBS managing director Shaun Brown said

'SBS has ambitious plans for the future and hopes to broaden and deepen the range of programs and content it broadcasts on television, radio and online. But, without a considerable new investment by the Government, SBS will not be able to continue to deliver its unique service and we are likely to be marginalised in the new digital media environment.' (www.

If SBS received more funding, Mr Brown said it would be used to:

* add at least 100 more hours per year of original Australian multicultural programming on television by 2012.

* expand SBS's programming of the best of overseas content across four digital TV channels by 2013 starting with a fully fledged second channel (SBS World) next year

* create nine, new digital radio channels over the next six years

* make all our content available streamed or on-demand over SBS online service

“Public broadcasters such as SBS are well placed, although not well resourced, to experiment and innovate in the digital space,” he said.

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/alimoore.bmp[/img]Access ABC: Ali Moore has swapped late nights for early mornings, TV for radio and Sydney for Melbourne to take on her latest challenge: covering Jon Faine's Morning program on 774 ABC Melbourne for the rest of the year.Now six weeks into her Mornings gig, Ali is starting to relax.(Perhaps not quite as relaxed as long-time presenter Jon Faine, who's currently undertaking a road trip of a lifetime to London with his son.)

After 20 years of reporting mostly hard-core news and current affairs - the last 10 covering business - Ali's been making the transition to the pace of morning radio from her regular role as host of Lateline Business.

She says it's an enormous challenge, but one she's relishing.

"It's the sheer range and breadth of topics we cover - I do on average between 14 and 16 interviews a morning," Ali said. That's in contrast to Lateline Business or the 7.30 Report (she's a regular fill-in host), where Ali spends most of the day preparing for one, or sometimes two, interviews.

"It's a very different, fast moving set-up (in radio). We're a small team so we all hunker down and get on with it - it's not like we've got researchers," she laughed.

Ali has filled in before for a week or two, but her approach this time is different, given the length of her stint.

"I need to keep remembering the key is to create a relaxed atmosphere. I'm in people's lounge rooms and in their cars. I'm really enjoying the talkback side and feeling like I get to dip in and out of conversations across the morning."

Another highlight is the Conversation Hour slot from 11am (broadcast across Victoria). "I love that point in the program where you can take a deep breath, knowing you're going to have the luxury of time to talk to some really interesting people."

She said the trickiest bit is "to put more of me into it. I've been in this game for over 20 years and the aim has always been that I'm not the story. I think that's a big challenge as well - to learn to be a bit more me rather than the news and current affairs face."

In some ways Ali has come full circle. She began her career as a cadet at 3LO and after six years with radio news and current affairs, she went north to Beijing in 1992 as the ABC's China correspondent.

She then moved to Channel Nine where she spent a decade as a business reporter and host of Business Sunday. In 2006 she returned to the ABC to present Lateline Business.

So has she found it liberating to step out of the business arena for a few months?

"Definitely. One of the most enjoying parts of this role is being able to get away from straight business and to mix things up. That said, the great irony is for me as a fill-in presenter is that the team can throw me any business story and I'm not fussed, but throw me a sports story and I do get fussed," she joked.

A brave admission perhaps to make in sports-mad Melbourne, but then Ali can always play her home-town advantage.

"I'm often asked why I do radio in Melbourne when I live in Sydney. That answer is actually really easy for me: it's because I grew up in Melbourne, and it's home."

Despite living in Sydney for the last decade or so Ali doesn't think she could do the same role there. "I feel much more comfortable here - Melbourne is a place I get."

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/idoldwts.PNG[/img]For the next couple of months Channel 10's Australian Idol will go up against Channel 7's Dancing With The Stars in the all important 7.30pm Sunday night timeslot. There is a breakfast radio connection between the two programs that may start a little off screen rivalary!

Dancing With The Stars co-host Sonia Kruger and dance judge Todd McKenney, who co-host Sydney's Mix 1065 breakfast together are up against Australian Idol judge Kyle Sandilands who is co-host of 2DAY FM's breakfast program.

Australian Idol judge Ian 'Dicko' Dickson is one third of Melbourne's Vega 91.5 breakfast , while one of his radio rivals, 774's breakfast presenter Red Symons is part of D.W.T.S's dancing contestants.

Vision Australia Radio is a network of community radio stations throughout Melbourne, regional Victoria and southern New South Wales. The service provides news, information and entertainment for people who are unable to read standard printed material.

By offering this broadcasting service, Vision Australia Radio makes it possible for everyone in the community to enjoy the same level of access to information.

Vision Australia Radio is operated by Vision Australia and relies on a large base of volunteers from the local community who produce and present the programs.

If you are seriously looking for something to add to your property portfolio then look no further!PerthNow reports of a house owned by 6PR's drive presenter Howards Sattler that has been reduced by almost $1 million after a 10-month stint for sale. The colonial, two-level residence has been slashed from the ``high $6 million mark'' to $5.75 million. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24267625-2761,00.html]Full story[/link]

Just over three weeks ago when we ran the Get rich quick article on former child actor turned radioman Danny Bonaduce we had no idea how internet website schemes were the modern day replacement of the ghosting door to door insurance sales people! 'Earn a buck everytime you knock' has been replaced with 'earn a buck everytime they click!'Away from Danny Bonaduce and closer to home it seems like there are a couple of former radio people who have taken to internet to tell us how to make a packet, check out the links and come to your own conclusions. HERE and HERE

ABC drive presenter Richard Glover and SMH contributor has written to Fairfax management on behalf of fellow Fairfax contributors, stating they will have to sack them too if they go ahead with Mike Carlton's sacking.Carlton, who is also breakfast presenter on the Fairfax owned 2UE, was sacked yesterday for refusing to cross the picket line to write his weekly column for the SMH's Saturday edition.

2UE breakfast presenter Mike Carlton has been sacked by the Sydney Morning Herald for refusing to write his weekly column during the current strike. It is under clear at this stage how the sacking will impact on his role with 2UE which is also owned by the Fairfax controlled SMH.

Carlton, a member of the journalists' union, the MEAA, took the stand on the grounds that filing the column amounted to crossing a picket line.

He told ABC Radio in Sydney off air that he could not discuss the situation on the ABC because of his contract with Fairfax Radio, which owns 2UE, where he does the breakfast show.

But ABC Radio said he had confirmed that he had been "let go" for not filing the column for the Saturday edition.

Fairfax Media staff in Sydney and Melbourne went on strike yesterday until Monday over the company's plans to cut 550 jobs.

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/vote.bmp[/img]Just two months after announcing he was quitting radio to spend more time with his young family former Mix 106.3 Canberra breakfast presenter Mark Parton is going to try his hand at politics. He will announce today he is standing as an Independent for the seat of Ginninderra with the financial backing of the Canberra Business Club. The Canberra Time has more [link=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/parton-to-stand-as-the-voice-of-reason/1257288.aspx]here[/link]

This morning after 26 years in radio Pat Morrish will hang her headphones up for the final time. Pat who has been the voice of the ABC Far North morning program for the past decade is looking forward to retirement. She had previously held various roles with the ABC in Cairns and was also proud of a 4 year stint with 4AM.Along with her husband, Bob, and dog, Grinchy they plan to soon embark on a caravanning trip around the country that may take the best part of 5 to 6 months.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has announced the appointment of Michele Bawden, one of the sectors most experienced and knowledgeable identities, as General Manager.

Commenting on her appointment, Michele said, “I am honoured and excited to have the opportunity to lead the CBAA. While there are plenty of challenges ahead for our sector, I have faith in our ingenuity, resilience and creativity [link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/612.html]Read the entire article[/link]

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of 2TEN Tenterfield, Tenterfield & District Community FM Radio Association Inc, breached a condition of its licence by failing to encourage members of the community it serves to participate in the operations of the service and in the selection and provision of programs.

Tenterfield & District Community FM Radio Association Inc holds a community broadcasting licence to provide a radio service in the Tenterfield RA1 licence area, which includes the local government areas of Tenterfield in New South Wales and Stanthorpe in Queensland.

ACMA’s investigation found that 2TEN did not have formal structures in place to ensure that it was encouraging participation from members of the community in all aspects of the operations of the service.

The investigation did note that 2TEN has already made improvements, including the establishment of formal sub-committees.

ACMA has asked 2TEN to provide a report in February 2009 on the measures it has taken since the investigation was finalised to meet its licence obligations.

ACMA’s investigation followed a complaint that 2TEN was not encouraging community participation in the operations and programming of the service. The complainant also alleged that the service was failing to represent its community interest in line with its licence conditions. However, ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee was meeting the requirements of this licence condition.

A copy of the investigation report 1968 is available on the ACMA website.

BackgrounderACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:

a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; orthe ABC or SBS of a code of practice.If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.

However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.

There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.

As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that people who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.

When making a complaint to ACMA, people must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges all complaints in writing.

For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to provide its perspectives. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.

When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – it might be in the form of a letter or, alternatively, it could be in the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.

Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.

Under the Act, ACMA has a discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA’s usual practice is to publish such reports. However, ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that Bundaberg Burnett Community Broadcasting Association Inc, the licensee of Bundaberg temporary community broadcasting service 96.3fm, breached the licence condition to encourage community participation.

In addition to the complaint that the licensee does not encourage participation, ACMA received other complaints including the licensee’s failure to keep a record of programs broadcast, broadcasting advertisements and not continuing to represent the community interest. ACMA found the licensee only breached the condition to encourage participation.

This licence condition requires licensees to encourage members of its community to participate in the operations and programming of the service. This recognises that involving the community in the selection of programs promotes community access and diversity of programming, particularly material of local significance.

One of the principal ways in which community broadcasting licensees can encourage members of the community to participate in the operations of the service is through membership. Another important way in which community broadcasting licensees can encourage members of the community to participate in the service is through the provision of programs. A community broadcasting service is generally one that provides programming not only for its community but by its community.

This is the first time that the licensee has breached a licence condition since the initial allocation of a temporary community broadcasting licence in December 2002.

In these circumstances, ACMA does not propose to take any formal enforcement action. However, ACMA will continue to monitor the licensee’s compliance with its licence conditions.

A copy of Investigation Report No. 1973 is available on the ACMA website.

BackgrounderACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:

a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; orthe ABC or SBS of a code of practice.If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.

However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.

There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.

As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that people who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.

When making a complaint to ACMA, people must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges all complaints in writing.

For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to provide its perspectives. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.

When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – it might be in the form of a letter or, alternatively, it could be in the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.

Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.

Under the Act, ACMA has a discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA’s usual practice is to publish such reports. However, ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.

They may have been partying at the Morning Show Boot Camp earlier this month, but for the rank-and-file DJ, 2008 has been a difficult year. Downsizing, voicetracking, longer shifts, and salary cuts are all part of the new reality for many on-air folks.

And then there's a recent article we spotted online by CareerBuilder.com's Rachel Zupek, "10 Evolving Jobs." It's a listing of professions that may be on thin ice because of technology advances and other changes in the occupational infrastructure of America.

Here's the list:

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers and weighersData entry and information processing workersFire and order clerksPhotographic process workersTelephone operatorsPharmacy aidesBindery workersRadio and television announcersFloral designersTelemarketersSo, there it is - right between bindery workers and floral designers. As Zupek notes, the average salary of $36,120 for radio and television announcers is actually higher than for these other nine professions. But according to her analysis, "New technology and advancement of other media sources like satellite radio and syndicated programming means less need for radio and TV announcers."

I'd suggest something different. Get out in the community, and build your own personal brand as a part and apart from the station you work for. Become great at personal and sales appearances. Learn how to do other jobs at the station, whether it's production or music scheduling. Work your audience, answer your phones, return emails and texts, and create a local bond with listeners. Become involved with local charities and good causes. Develop a voiceover business or become the PA announcer for the local sports team.

Actor turned radio presenter Kate Ritchie says she’s become more confident over the last few months and is happier than ever behind the microphone.When the Gold Logie winner joined Merrick Watts and Tim Rosso on Sydney’s Nova 969 breakfast radio show in January she was immediately thrown in the deep end, interviewing big stars like US singer Fergie in her first week.It was an adjustment after 20 years on the TV soapie Home and Away, but Ritchie now feels she’s found her feet. Full story [link=http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=5&ContentID=94752]The West Australian[/link]

Bendigo community station 89.5 Phoenix FM is going to fight tooth and nail not to have the frequency re-allocated to ABC radio for parliamentary broadcasts. They held an emergency meeting on Monday evening to to form an action plan in order to retain the current frequency.Federal Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons had already started a petition to save the station and the group now plan to get behind that 100 percent. Phoenix FM vice-president Brad Warren said the group hoped to get at least 10,000 signatures. There will be a rally held in Bendigo's Rosalind Park on Thursday September 11 with the petition to be delivered to Mr Gibbons at the conclusion. To pledge your support email phoenix@cvcb.org.au.

Former Triple M presenter Doug Mulray has declined to be involved with the rebirthing of Australia's Naughtiest Home Videos which goes to air tonight on Channel Nine. Tonights program will be hosted by Bert Newton however 16 years ago when the program was first screened it was pulled from air 35 minutes into the show.At the time Nine owner Kerry Packer, who was watching from home, rang the station and demanded the show be pulled off air at once and it was.Mulray has refused to pass public comment on the rebirthing, either out of respect for the late KP or possibly himself.

"ABOUT 95% of this is filth," says Cal Wilson as she reads a list of questions submitted by listeners for pop singer Pink. "We can't say any of this on air."Akmal Saleh, who co-hosts Nova's The Wrong Way Home drive show with Wilson and Ed Kavalee, becomes excited. His eyes widen as he digests the double entendres and innuendo-laden queries. "Akmal, don't say that word on air," Wilson warns.Five seconds after returning to air, he says that word, a slang reference to female genitalia."When I gasp, it's genuine," Wilson says later. "But that's what I love about this job. It's like being in the best corner of the party." [link=http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/keeping-the-show-on-the-road/2008/08/26/1219516479394.html]Full article[/link]

Digital radio is high on the agenda for the BIG SOUND Music Industry Summit and Showcase program on Wednesday, 10 September at the Judith Wright Centre. The program will include a panel on the evolution of Digital Radio in Australia and the ways it could change the music industry and the ways Australian’s listen and interact with the communication medium.

Radio experts Joan Warner (CEO of Commercial Radio Australia), Stuart Matchett (Program Director, ABC DIG Internet Radio), Mike Walsh (Head of Music, XFM Network UK), Jarrod Graetz (Program Director, Stripe) and Stuart Buchanan (Media Producer, Community Engine, Fat Planet, FBi Radio) will make up a tasty panel taking on the hot topics including the recent successful tenders focusing on the development of Digital Radio infrastructure in Australia , and the launch of mobile and internet digital service Stripe.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia , Joan Warner, announced in July how the sector was developing towards of Australia ’s migration to a Digital Radio platform.“We are now literally building towards a new era, one that will deliver a multi-media experience to radio listeners, broadcasters and advertisers alike.” Ms Warner said.

Digital radio services are said to begin in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth from early 2009, seeing Ms Warner and other panel associates focusing strongly on this new age media.Stripe is another radio development the panel speakers will address detailing how the new service caters for all music tastes by allowing the public to access 100 stations by the end of 2009, via the internet and 3G mobile phones."We are proud to launch Stripe, a first in Australia offering a huge range of genre specific radio stations and is listener driven,” he said.

“If you've got 3G coverage, you can access your favourite music and programs from your (3G) mobile phone and on broadband internet for less than $10 a month with no ad breaks and less interruptions.” Mr Graetz said.

Joan Warner and Jarrod Graetz will be joined by ABC's Stuart Matchett, XFM UK Program Director Mike Walsh and Stuart Buchanan to present and discuss at BIG SOUND‘s Digital Radio: The New Age summit on 10 September at 4:00pm at the Judith Wright Centre.

Veteran radioman Barry Augustus has died in Queensland. He passed away on Tuesday the 26th of August in Pindara Hospital on the Gold Coast aged 76, one day short of his 77th Birthday.Barry joined 2GB in 1948 as an office boy having being given his first job by the legendary Perc Campbell. His knowledge of the radio serials was second to none however his early days with the station saw him go on to become sound effects operator and audio producer of the Jack Davey and Bob Dyer shows. In 1969 he gave a young kid by the name of Graham Mott his first job in radio. Still to this day Graham Mott credits Barry for his leg up into the industry.Barry worked as 2GB's Operations Manager in the 1970's and after the much hyped but short lived 872GB launch of 1978 he became Manager of the station.After moving north to Brisbane he became manager of 'Beautiful Music 4BH' which at the time topped the ratings.He retired to the Gold Coast with his wife Pauline in 1998 and is survived by his wife and son Michael.

Take a look back at the state of Melbourne radio in the 1960's . Watch for extensive coverage of 3UZ's Lewis Bennett and 3KZ's Les Heil and plenty of studio footage and interviews of the personalities of the day. Don Lunn, Grantly Dee, Stan Rofe, Allan Lappan, John Eden, Keith Livingstone and lots more. In total around 30 minutes of viewing so grab a coffee sit back and enjoy. Many thanks to Vk3ase for making this documentry available online.

BATHURST radio personality Janeen Hosemans has been ordered to work 150 hours unpaid for the community as an alternative to a nine-month gaol sentence following her conviction for social security fraud.Hosemans was last month found guilty following a two-day hearing of receiving a financial advantage from a Commonwealth entity between January and December 2006. She returned to Bathurst Local Court yesterday to be sentenced by magistrate Thomas Hodgson, who remarked on “a sad matter before the court because of difficulties [Hosemans] experienced in her personal life”. Source and full article available here [link=http://bathurst.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/radio-personality-sentenced/1254976.aspx]Western Advocate[/link]

Macquarie Media Group has reported annual profit up more than seven-fold, and says regional advertising sales are tracking as expected in the first quarter of the new financial year. Macquarie Media's result was affected by the absorption of regional tv stations in Australia, by heavy government and political ad spending towards the end of 2007 as the federal election drew near, and by a $255 million profit on the sale of its Taiwan broadband unit. Shares in Macquarie gained as much as 4 cents, or 1.1%, to $3.74 in early trade.

MMG chief executive Mark Dorney said ''Both radio and television benefited from solid local advertising growth throughout the 2008 financial year. ''As expected, national advertising in the December 2007 half was boosted by the Federal Government information campaigns and the 2007 Federal Election. ''Whilst these factors had largely passed when we acquired control of SBC television on 26 October 2007, they positively impacted our radio business.''

Kamahl's tribute song which has been released to celebrate the 100th birthday of the late Don Bradman came about after a chance meeting with ABC 774's Coodabeen Ian Cover. Cover mentioned to singer and fellow Coodabeen Greg Champion that Kamahl was indeed a friend of the Don and the end result is the song 'I Was A Mate Of Don Bradman.'

Kamahl dropped into 3MP breakfast this morning, where John Burgess played the track, before heading off to sister station 1116 SEN. Minutes later Kamahl was heard doing a live commercial read with Billy Brownless before joining the 1116 SEN breakfast team to once again discuss and air the tribute song. [link=http://www.bigpondmusic.com/Album/.../I-Was-A-Mate-Of-Don-Bradman.aspx] Download the song here via Bigpondmusic [/link]

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/new-site200.jpg[/img]Hot on the heels of new stand alone websites for 4BH and Magic 1278 Fairfax talk stations 4BC and 3AW are set for new sites by the end of this week. Check out [link=http://www.4bh.com.au/]4BH here [/link]and [link=http://www.magic1278.com.au/]Magic here[/link].

Steve Olech, the Port Adelaide Power's general manager of commercial operations has resigned from the AFL club to return to radio . Olech's departure will see him return to the DMG radio group, as its commercial manager after three years at Alberton.

Newspaper, radio and internet group Fairfax Media will sack 550 staff as it struggles to contain costs following its merger last year with Rural Press and its acquisition of Southern Cross, amid a downturn across the media sector. More [link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24243132-643,00.html]The Australian[/link]

ACMA press release: Listeners in the Ilford and Pyramul townships of New South Wales will be able to access Mudgee commercial radio service 2GEE, following the approval of a variation to the Local Area Plan (LAP) by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

The variation to the LAP for Mudgee radio services allows the extension of the 2GEE commercial radio service to include the townships of Ilford and Pyramul and to move the site of its Kandos/Rylstone translator.

"In making its decision, ACMA took into consideration that neither Pyramul nor Illford currently receive a licensed commercial radio service. ACMA believes the changes will allow people to enjoy the benefits of commercial radio that they did not have before, whilst also limiting the level of signal overspill into any neighbouring licence areas," said Giles Tanner, General Manager, Inputs to Industry Division.

The proposed extended 2GEE licence area will border the Bathurst commercial radio licence area and bring it close to the northern part of the Lithgow commercial radio licence area. However, ACMA has planned the service to ensure there is no signal overspill into urban centres in any of these licence areas.

The extension will add to the existing licence area overlap between 2GEE and the licence area of the remote commercial radio services 4RBZ and 4RBL.

The decision is contained in a variation to the licence area plan for Mudgee radio, released today. The associated documents are available for viewing from the ACMA website or by calling 1300 850 115.

BackgrounderACMA prepares licence area plans under section 26(1) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act).

Licence area plans determine the number and characteristics, including technical specifications, of broadcasting services that are to be available in particular areas of Australia with the use of broadcasting services bands. ACMA may vary licence area plans under section 26(2) of the Act.

In June 1997, the then Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) determined the licence area plan for Mudgee, making capacity available for a S.39 licence (2GEE) in Mudgee on 93.1 MHz with an omni-directional radiation pattern using mixed polarisation and a maximum ERP of 10 kW.

The ABA also made channel capacity available for a FM translator service from Cumber Melon Range broadcasting an omni-directional radiation pattern on 91.7 MHz using mixed polarisation with a maximum ERP of 1 kW. The Cumber Melon translator has never been operated by 2GEE.

In May 2005, the licensee of 2GEE requested a change of site for its FM translator service to Mt Bocoble and that the licence area for 2GEE to be extended to the Mid Western Regional Council boundary.

ACMA assessed that this proposal would effectively double the existing licence area and cause significant signal overlap into surrounding commercial radio licence areas. ACMA instead proposed a reduced licence area extension to ensure there is no signal overspill into the Bathurst and Lithgow commercial radio licence areas and would lessen the overlap with the Remote Commercial Radio North Eastern licence area.

DMG's Nova network has debuted 'Backstage' hosted by James Mathison and Ricki Lee. The program will continue for the next few Monday nights at 6.00pm with behind the scene features and gossip from the 2008 season of Australian Idol.

Listeners of 702 know James Valentine loves to experiment on air and test the medium but his latest idea is his strangest yet. On November 11, he will present a radio talkback show at the Basement. Afternoons At Night At The Basement will be a combination of Valentine on the saxophone, interspersed with his regular talkback segments from the afternoon program such as The Form Guide, The Rant and the topic of the day. But here's the twist. The audience will phone and text Valentine from their tables. "I just think it's a really funny idea to literally duplicate the talkback audience in a live room," he says. Full story [link=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/like-a-sax-machine/2008/08/23/1219262604015.html]SMH[/link]

Austereo Group has posted a lift in full year net profit after its buoyancy in ratings helped drive an increase in advertising, and said it's well placed to capitalise on future advertising opportunities.

Austereo reported a 5.1 per cent lift in net profit to $48.824 million for the year ended June 30, 2008.

The owner of the Triple M and Today radio networks posted a 4.6 per cent lift in revenue to $266.722 million.

"Austereo is uniquely placed, through its current leading ratings and sales share, to capitalise on future advertising market uplift,'' chief executive Michael Anderson said

Sonia Kruger and Todd McKenney will be simulcasting their radio show into Melbourne's Mix 101.1 while Brigitte, George & Tom are taking a week's holiday from Mon 01/09. You will be able to hear Sonia & Todd between 5:30am & 9am on both Mix 101.1 and Mix 106.5.

Furthermore Sonia & Todd will be broadcasting their Sydney breakfast show from the Mix Melbourne studios on most Monday mornings after each Sunday night episode of Dancing With The Stars.

Watch for extensive coverage of 3UZ's Lewis Bennett and 3KZ's Les Heil and plenty of studio footage and interviews of the personalities of the day. Don Lunn, Grantly Dee, Stan Rofe, Allan Lappan, John Eden, Keith Livingstone and lots more. Thought to be long lost you can now sit back, enjoy and view this entire documentry here

Macquarie Radio Network Limited (MRN) flagged its full year 2008 NPAT would be 17.9% lower at $4.42 million. The company said the result was driven by increased expenditures on web media.

Expenditure increased by 8.4% to $38.4 million, with Radio expenses up 2.5% and new media expenses increasing by 127% as four websites were rolled out across the year.

On the other hand, Radio and Other Revenue increased 1.71% while New Media Revenue increased 121.32%. Full story [link=http://www.livenews.com.au/Articles/2008/08/22/Macquarie_Radio_FY_profit_dialled_down_179]LIVENEWS[/link]

Over 100 detailed market profiles of regional and metropolitan commercial radio areas have been released today to stations and advertisers nationwide and will provide an invaluable reference tool for advertising on radio.

The Commercial Radio Market Profiles, collated every five years, provide details on individual radio markets throughout Australia including all the commercial stations in the area and various demographic breakdowns. These include age, labour force details, income brackets of listeners in the area as well as an area profile of main industries, plus employment and educational qualifications of the workforce.

The commercial radio licence area profiles have been collated using a range of official data sources, including the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of 2006, and are based on radio licence areas determined by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). They include the main metropolitan city markets throughout Australia as well as regional radio licence areas.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said the profiles have been designed to help radio stations, advertising agencies, media agency buyers and planners better understand the markets commercial radio stations serve.

“These detailed market profiles are designed to provide advertisers with a better understanding of the markets, the size, specific demographic breakdown and the opportunities available, particularly for regional radio, where easy access to this type of information is not always available,” Ms Warner said.

“The profiles will assist with the planning of effective ad campaigns for specific local areas across both regional and metropolitan Australia. Commercial radio stations are an integral part of the local communities that they serve. These profiles will help make that relationship even more relevant.”

The profiles are available at www.commercialradio.com.au and CD ROMS are also being distributed to stations throughout the nation.

Did you know?? *over 22% of households in Canberra have a household income of more than $130,000 p.a

*more than 72% of households in Canberra have access to the internet and over half have two cars

*Over 8.2 million kilograms of peanuts in the shell are produced each year in Kingaroy from 1.2 million nut trees in the region

*the population of the radio license area of Warrnambool has increased by nearly 5% since 2001 to 52,515. Over 48% of the population is aged over 40 years.

It was the night of the 2006 Logie Awards and Felicity Ward was feeling glamorous. As her limousine pulled up to the red carpet, she prepared for the onslaught of flashbulbs and shrieking fans. Nervously, she stepped from the car, followed by the rest of The Ronnie Johns Half Hour cast. And then: nothing.

"After they realised we weren't from Home & Away, there was this dead silence," says Ward, who hosts The Comedy Hour on 774 ABC. "The crickets were chirping and I think I could hear a crow in background. So they ushered us up the red carpet and on to a podium to have our picture taken.[link=http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/tv-funny-girl-finds-her-niche-on-air/2008/08/20/1218911800796.html]Full article here[/link]

ABC press release: Catchment Detox, this year's national project for National Science Week, is a major initiative by the ABC and its partners to help Australians better understand and manage the environment they live in. The radio series, featuring environmental journalist Michael Mackenzie, will take a practical look at the issues facing many of our own catchments, with hints and tips on catchment management.

The free online game, catchmentdetox.net.au (http://catchmentdetox.net.au/), begins with a catchment in critical condition and through virtual years, decisions must be made on how to restore and sustain it, balancing three basic factors: the health of the environment, the economy and population growth.

“Catchment Detox is a multi-platform project with a 'sim' style game at its centre where players must deal with the environmental challenges facing us all,” said Ian Carroll, Director ABC Innovation.

Sue Howard, Director ABC Radio & Regional Content, says the radio component will support and enhance the experience of the online game.

"To assist players and give listeners a greater understanding of catchment management, ABC Local Radio will broadcast insights into five key elements of natural resource management: surface water, ground water, biodiversity, soil health and community sustainability," she said.

The radio series will be broadcast over a two week period, 25 August - 5 September, coinciding with a competition where the top player will win a trip for two to one of Australia's most pristine catchments - Lake Argyle in the Kimberleys. To be in the running to win players must register their score prior to 5 September. A special school prize is also available for school groups who register.

All radio programs will be available as podcasts following broadcast and, along with the game, will remain part of the detailed website as an ongoing resource. To visit the website or play Catchment Detox go to: catchmentdetox.net.au (http://catchmentdetox.net.au/.

Catchment Detox is an ABC initiative in partnership with eWater, the CSIRO, the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and National Science week. Catchment Detox is based on an original idea by Natural Resource Management advisor Tim Stubbs and consultant Lucy Broad.

The Federal Government has moved a step closer to handing Pulse Radio's 94.7FM bandwidth to the ABC. The Australian Communications and Media Authority yesterday asked for written submissions from the public into their proposal to take the bandwidth transmitted from Murradoc Hill. But local community radio station the Pulse already holds the bandwidth on a temporary licence and is expected to receive hefty compensation should it be shifted. The establishment of a local ABC station was originally a Howard government election promise from 2004. More The Geelong Advertiser

Melbourne radio station 1611 3XX has ceased transmission and is is now offering an audio stream on-line, listen live In what is being described as an oversight, the licence renewal was sent to an old mailing address. By the time the station received the renewal and made contact to the ACMA the licence had been sold. It is understood that [link=http://www.noisefm.com.au]Noise FM[/link] have now secured the 1611 licence.

3XX first went to air in 2002 and has been best known for their mix of 80s and 90s hits and dance music amongst other related genres. They have also covered VFL football with live weekend calls since 2007. [link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3XX]Wiki here[/link]

Helmes Media Solutions will provide Lithgow Radio Station Ezy FM 90.5 with their daily local news bulletins. They currently also provide daily local news bulletins to Crow FM in Kingaroy Queensland, and 3MBR Murrayville Victoria.

Helmes Media Solutions and Ezy FM sign Local News Agreement

Helmes Media Solutions will provide Lithgow Radio Station Ezy FM 90.5 with their daily local news bulletins.

The progressive station, which broadcasts across the historic city on the Western edge of the Blue Mountains, is looking forward to providing its growing listener base with a comprehensive local news service.

Helmes Media Solutions General Manager Joel Helmes says the announcement shows there is a real demand for professional news resources in the community radio sector.

“Most community stations rely solely on volunteers, but to stay relevant to listeners we are seeing more services such as ours being adopted”.

“We offer a service that is a great sales tool for stations, a major plus for listeners and greater news presence in these markets which can only be a good thing for the broader communities”.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of 8TOP, Charles Darwin University, breached conditions of its licence by failing to encourage members of the community it serves to participate in the operations of the service and in the selection and provision of programs. ACMA also found that the licensee breached conditions of its licence by broadcasting advertisements.

Charles Darwin University holds a community broadcasting licence to provide a community radio broadcasting service for Darwin.

ACMA’s investigation found that 8TOP did not have adequate measures in place to encourage participation in the operations of its service. At the time of the investigation, 8TOP had a number of active volunteers and some committees for community input into decision-making. However, information about how members of the community could become involved was very difficult to find and invitations were worded in a way that was likely to discourage involvement. In addition, 8TOP’s published policies indicated that the community did not have significant input into the selection of programs for the service, except in a very limited way through feedback about the selection of music on 8TOP’s website.

ACMA’s view is that compliance with this licence condition is a key characteristic of community broadcasting services and non-compliance with these conditions is a serious matter.

8TOP has agreed to a range of measures to promote compliance and will report to ACMA on its progress. In light of these circumstances, ACMA will take any further non-compliance particularly seriously and would consider formal enforcement action.

Community radio stations are prohibited from broadcasting advertisements but may broadcast up to five minutes of sponsorship announcements in any hour. Under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, sponsorship announcements on community radio must include an appropriate acknowledgement of financial support (a ‘tag’), otherwise they can be considered to be advertisements.

ACMA found that 8TOP broadcast advertisements in August and September 2007. The advertisements included promotional material presented during the program Territory Talk and announcements for the Workplace Information Line.

8TOP has discontinued the Talking Travel segment of its Territory Talk show and advises that it has policies in place to ensure it properly tags sponsorship announcements. ACMA is satisfied that its non-compliance arose from a misunderstanding about its obligations and is confident that 8TOP will seek to comply with this licence condition in the future. ACMA will monitor compliance over the next twelve months.

ACMA received three complaints about 8TOP which it investigated at the same time as assessing 8TOP’s application for renewal of its licence. Two of the complaints also alleged that the service was failing to represent its community interest in line with its licence conditions. However, ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee was meeting the requirements of this licence condition. 8TOP’s licence was renewed by ACMA for a period of five years commencing on 2 August 2008.

Investigation Report No. 1847/1879 and 1905 detail measures 8TOP will take to promote compliance and are available on the ACMA website.

BackgrounderACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:

a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; orthe ABC or SBS of a code of practice.If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.

However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.

There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.

As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that people who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.

When making a complaint to ACMA, people must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges all complaints in writing.

For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to provide its perspectives. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.

When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – it might be in the form of a letter or, alternatively, it could be in the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.

Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.

Under the Act, ACMA has discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA’s usual practice is to publish such reports. However, ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.

Jamie Angel will take up the role of Austereo's national digital radio Content Director. Derek Bargwanna (92.9 Perth) is set to take over Jamie’s role as Content Director of 2DAY FM. NX-KOFM Newcastle Content Director Mickey Maher is on the move again, this time this time to the west where he will take over Derek Bargwanna's position as Content Director of 92.9FM.

Rod and The Flack will take over the breakfast program at Star 104.5 Central Coast replacing Vic Davies and Lisa McKoy. The Vic & Lisa breakfast show will air fot the last time on Friday September 12th with Rod and The Flack kicking off on the following Monday. Rod and The Flack were previously heard on 96 FM Nights after a short stint of 7 weeks on breakfast.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is seeking written submissions from the public on proposals to make channels available for ABC radio services in the Bendigo, Colac and Geelong areas of Victoria and the Townsville area of Queensland.

ACMA is proposing to make channel capacity available in Bendigo, Colac and Townsville to enable the ABC to provide its NewsRadio service. In Geelong ACMA proposes to make channel capacity available for an extension of the ABC’s Local Radio service.

‘The proposed changes are part of a broader plan to extend these ABC services to all transmission areas of Australia with a population of 10,000 or more,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

Spectrum is congested for high power services in each of these regions and ACMA was unable to identify any vacant FM frequencies that could be used for the ABC services. ACMA is therefore proposing to vary the frequency of various existing services in the radio markets for the introduction of these services.

‘The proposals to make frequencies available for ABC radio services would require changes to the transmission arrangements of some existing broadcasting services and ACMA is keen to receive community feedback on this issue,’ Mr Chapman said.

ACMA’s proposed variations to existing services in each of the areas are outlined in the attached backgrounder.

Details of the proposed changes are contained in the explanatory papers and draft variations to the Bendigo, Colac, Geelong, Charters Towers and Townsville radio licence area plans released for public comment today.

The explanatory papers, draft variations to the licence area plans and other related documents are available on the ACMA website, or by calling 1300 850 115.

The closing date for comments on these proposals is 5:00pm, Friday 19 September 2008.

BackgrounderLicence area plans determine the number and characteristics, including technical specifications, of broadcasting services that are to be available in particular areas of Australia with the use of the broadcasting services bands.

ACMA prepares licence area plans under section 26(1) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act), and may vary them under section 26(2).

Proposed changes to existing servicesBendigoACMA is proposing that the ABC NewsRadio service operate on 89.5 MHz from Mount Alexander. This frequency is currently used on a share time basis by Goldfields Community Radio Co-operative and Phoenix FM under temporary community broadcasting licences (TCBLs).

As a result, ACMA is also proposing to change the frequency of the community radio service from 89.5 MHz to 101.5 MHz which also incorporates changes to the technical operating conditions. The frequency 101.5 MHz is currently used by the temporary community broadcaster, Central Victorian Gospel Radio. All three temporary broadcasters may share that spectrum if the proposal is adopted. This will ensure that spectrum continues to be made available for TCBLs in Bendigo until the allocation of the long-term community broadcasting licence can commence.

ColacACMA is proposing that the ABC NewsRadio service operate on 104.7 MHz from Warrion Hill. This frequency is currently used by the Colac community radio station 3OCR.

As a result, ACMA is also proposing to change the frequency of 3OCR from 104.7 MHz to 98.3 MHz which also incorporates changes to the technical operating conditions. This will ensure that spectrum continues to be made available for the community radio service in Colac.

GeelongACMA is proposing that the ABC Local Radio service operate on 94.7 MHz from Murradoc Hill. This frequency is currently used by Geelong Ethnic Communities Inc. to broadcast The Pulse under a temporary community broadcasting licence.

As a result, ACMA is also proposing to change the frequency of the community radio service from 94.7 MHz to 91.9 MHz which also incorporates changes to the technical operating conditions. This will ensure that spectrum continues to be made available for TCBLs in Geelong until the allocation of the long-term community broadcasting licence can commence.

Charters Towers and TownsvilleACMA has identified two FM channels, 94.3 MHz and 93.5 MHz, available for use for ABC NewsRadio in Townsville and Townsville North. However these frequencies would first be subject to on air tests to identify any potential interference issues. The testing of these frequencies requires relocation of two other services operating in the area.

ACMA is proposing to relocate a high power open narrowcasting (HPON) service in Charters Towers to 98.3 MHz and a community radio service in Bowen to 95.9 MHz.

These services are currently operating on the same frequency to that of the planned frequency for ABC NewsRadio in Townsville. It is proposed that the change of frequency for these services occur at this time to facilitate the testing outlined above. Testing cannot be conducted while these services operate on their current frequencies and is expected to take six weeks.

The draft licence area plan variation also proposes to make channel capacity available on 96.7 MHz for an ABC NewRadio service at Bowen where spectrum has been identified as available.

MACQUARIE Radio chief executive Angela Clark has questioned the veracity of listeners' diaries that have seen the ABC's rookie announcer Deborah Cameron surge in the ratings in her first year on radio.

Cameron has set new records in the morning slot in the crucial Sydney market, despite critics claiming the former Fairfax journalist's broadcasts have come across as bumbling and amateurish.

In the most recent survey, the ABC 702 reported an audience share of more than 10 per cent, outstripping previous bests by the more polished Virginia Trioli and Sally Loane.

Ms Clark said that Cameron's surge was due to a glitch in the manual diary system used by listeners to chart their radio habits, rather than any real assault by Cameron on the ratings. Read the entire article [link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24195860-30540,00.html]The Australian [/link]

'The Saint' AKA Dante St James is leaving Hobart's 7HO FM breakfast shift this coming Friday. After a break and a bit of fishing Dante will return to Hobart in couple of weeks in a new Online & Multimedia role with Grant Broadcasters. ( owners of 7HO FM)

Former Australian Radio Network Steve Smith has taken over as chief operating officer of Arabian Radio Network (ARN). This was announced by Abdullatif Al Sayegh, chief executive officer of Arab Media Group (AMG), the largest media organisation in the UAE.In his new role, Smith is mandated to continue the growth of the network, develop programming and revenue for ARN’s existing nine stations, and chart a course for further expansion.[link=http://www.business24-7.ae/articles/2008/8/pages/newcoototakearntothenextlevel.aspx]Full Article here[/link]

SKY race caller Matthew Hill has been evacuated to a Hong Kong hospital and is in an induced coma after collapsing with suspected pneumonia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.Matthew fell ill on the weekend while working Macquarie Radio at the rowing regatta, he then spent most of his time studio based to combat the health concerns. He collapsed from heat-stress on Monday.He appeared to recover after being rehydrated but Hill's condition deteriorated rapidly and unexpectedly on Tuesday night. He has now been placed in an induced coma as he is flown to a Hong Kong hospital in a specially equiped medical evacuation aircraft. His parents and brother are now flying from Melbourne to be with him in Hong Kong.

After two months of successful trials D-Star today launches the worldwide industry standard in music delivery, PLAY MPE, in the Australian market.“Our trials have been overwhelmingly positive with takeup of the system well ahead of schedule,” said D-Star CEO Peter Skillman.“Play MPE is the only system that allows forensic targeting of tracks to radio, the sending of full albums, video previews and promotional material all in one place and our radio users have embraced that with open arms.”

Play MPE has received acclaim from users in all major networks for its ability to provide full HD audio as well as the flexibility of exporting tracks direct to iPod, creating the ultimate in flexibility for Music Directors right around Australia.The system is currently delivering tracks for EMI, Universal, Warner, MGM, Inertia, Shock, Liberation and a host of other labels ensuring a comprehensive library for radio stations that never expires. With more content and labels joining the system in the coming months, PLAY MPE continues to expand to other media including print, internet and TV. [link=http://www.dstarmpe.com ]D-Star site [/link]

The rumours are in full swing as to who will replace Triple M's The Shebang breakfast show in 2009. From Tony Martin, Phil O'Neil, Doug Mulray, Wil Anderson, Anthony Lehmann, Peter Berner and even Hamish & Andy who could possibly triple the current ratings! The SMH has a related article

Triple J have kicked off their daily dose of Olympics highlights The Gol;den Ring Show! Hosted by those two old China hands, the Crouching Tiger Rampaging ROY SLAVEN and the Hidden Dragon H.G. NELSON. In todays episode, they went to the wilds of the Forbidden City and got stuck into Andrew Bogurt for being a tad slack. [link=http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/triplej/tsl/goldenring_08_11.mp3]Listen[/link]

CRA Press release: Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner is meeting with Chinese broadcast regulator, SARFT, and major Chinese broadcasters in Beijing this week to discuss Australia’s plans for the switch-on of digital radio next year.

Australia is leading countries like Germany, Italy, Switzerland and many in the Asia Pacific region in the adoption of the DAB+ digital format, and has gained international recognition for being at the forefront of digital radio innovation and policy development.

Ms Warner said the Chinese regulator, which has currently only approved the more basic, older DAB digital format, was interested in learning more about Australia’s rationale for the adoption of DAB+

“Australia is leading the world in the development of multi-media applications and also broadcasting the DAB+ standard on air in preparation for switch-on . The Australian trial is also assisting leading receiver manufacturers in the UK and Asia in DAB+ product development,” Ms Warner said.

Whilst in Beijing, Ms Warner is also meeting with two major Chinese broadcasters, Beijing Jolon and Shanghai OPG.

Digital radio will be free-to-air in Australia. Listeners will need a new digital radio receiver to take advantage of the service. Commercial Radio Australia has been working with leading radio receiver manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to encourage a full range of DAB+ products to be offered in the lead-up to Xmas ’08.

Ms Warner will also be meeting with Chinese receiver manufacturers in Shanghai. “Digital radios will come in all shapes and sizes to suit the individual listener. Some very thin and light with a screen to display images, others will take the form of a very simple clock radio, hi fi or MP3 device. I am keen to see what the Chinese manufacturers have available.”

AM and FM analogue radio services will continue to be broadcast in Australia following the launch of digital radio, however with an estimated 50 million analogue radios in Australian homes there is a huge market for digital receivers.

Free-to-air digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth on 1 January 2009.

Wollongong MP Noreen Hay is considering legal action against Wollongong Against Corruption spokesperson Paul Matters after comments he made about her on Vox FM earlier this year.

Ms Hay said the comments, which were made during Mr Matters' Saturday afternoon Vox FM radio show, Struggle Street, were a personal attack on her appearance and she later complained to the community radio station's management in a letter, which has since been leaked to the Mercury.[link=http://illawarra.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/hay-outraged-by-matters-radio-attack/1240181.aspx]Read the entire article [/link]

He’s got a job as a radio talk show host on KLSX 97.1 in Los Angeles, but he’s now lending his name to something that could lead to trouble. Danny Bonaduce joined one of those pyramid type businesses that sets up a ready-made-web-page. [link=http://www.hollywoodgrind.com/danny-bonaduce-sinks-to-new-low-with-extra-income-website/]Full story here[/link]. Would never happen here, or could it?

3AW's Derryn Hinch will be part of The Rocky Horror when it opens in Melbourne next month. The 64-year-old drive presenter has been cast as the narrator over a four week stint. Speaking during a walk in Melbourne on today, the upbeat radio host said he was feeling fit and healthy and excited about joining the show. "Two years ago, you look at pictures of me then and I was nearly dead," The Rocky Horror Show opens in Melbourne on September 18.

Geelong community radio station The Pulse will find out next month if they are going to be shunted off the 94.7 FM frequency to make way for the ABC. The new Geelong ABC service would be similar to existing services in Bendigo and Ballarat, which provide local breakfast and drive programs plus news coverage. [link=http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/08/06/16905_news.html]More from The Geelong Advertiser[/link]

Australian country music identity Reg Lindsay has died at a Newcastle Hospital, aged 79.He died of pneumonia after a long battle with illness, surrounded by his wife Roslyn and three daughters. In 1994 he suffered a cerebral haemorrhage at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and after a long rehabilitation suffered a heart attack.

Reg’s first radio program was on Radio 2CH in 1952. He took over the morning country music show which was changed to an evening time slot and it was planned to have a live audience in the station’s auditorium while the show was broadcast.

The station really promoted the new show and on the night of the first broadcast there was a huge audience with many people having to be turned away.

After a few months Reg started with Radio 2SM where his program ‘The Reg Lindsay Show’ was broadcast for many years on a regular Saturday night time slot. Reg was also a part of the weekly live-to-air ‘Bonnington’s Bunkhouse Show’ which was broadcast nationally on Radio 2GB.

Triple M's Fifi Box will join Channel Seven's Sunrise in 2009 signalling the demise of The Shebang at the end of this year. At this stage it is not clear what role Fifi will play in the Sunrise program however a Seven spokesman said that Box's position would be announced soon.

The Shebang which is now heard on 2MMM breakfast began life as a drive program on 3MMM as "The Whole Shebang" in 2003 and it will grind to a halt at the end of the year. Fifi will still have some form of radio input with Austereo in 2009 possibly with a packaged network program. As for the rest of the Shebang team, Marty Sheargold has decided to pursue other opportunities at the end of the year while Paul Murray will remain with the station.

[list][link=http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/vega-hits-its-number-one-target/2008/08/05/1217702030301.html]SMH Vega hits its number one target[/link][/list][list][link=http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/en-story/1/65227/ABC720-beats-The-Bunch-in-radio-survey-]WA:ABC720 beats The Bunch in radio survey[/link][/list]

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of temporary community broadcasting service, Armidale Community Radio Cooperative Ltd, breached a condition of its licence by failing to encourage members of the community it serves to participate in the operation of the service and in the selection of programs.

Armidale Community Radio Cooperative Ltd holds a temporary community broadcasting licence to provide a radio service to Armidale in northern NSW.

ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee provided only limited opportunities for members of the community to participate in the operations of the service; particularly in the area of decision-making. While the licensee was able to demonstrate that it had actively encouraged community members to participate as presenters, it was unable to provide evidence to demonstrate compliance with the licence condition to encourage community participation in the selection of programs.

The licensee has given ACMA examples of remedial action it has taken and advised it is "looking forward to…greater community participation".

As the temporary community broadcasting licence expires on 3 October 2008, ACMA has asked the licensee to provide a compliance report by the 15 October 2008, for the period 1 July to 30 September 2008.

ACMA’s investigation followed a complaint received on 20 February 2008 that Armidale Community Radio Cooperative Ltd was not encouraging community participation in the operations and programming of the service. The complainant also alleged that the service was failing to represent its community interest in line with its licence conditions. However, ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee was meeting the requirements of this licence condition

3AW's Rex Hunt is at the centre of an alleged road rage incident. He was summoned to an interview at an inner-Melbourne police station on Wednesday over the alleged attack that left a 30-year-old cyclist with a suspected broken finger. [link=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24115809-421,00.html]Further reading related article [/link]

Helmes Media Solutions has expanded its local news service footprint into Victoria and South Australia by entering into a local news supply arrangement with Radio Station 3MBR-FM.

General Manager of Helmes Media Solutions Joel Helmes says stations are looking at the quality of Helmes Media Solutions local news bulletins and seeing that it is both achievable and much more cost effective to outsource local news to his organization.

“We aren’t in the business of making things complicated, we look at a market and say who are the people making and supplying news here”.

“After that it’s just about building relationships and contacts, I think the finished product speaks for itself”.

“I think the best part of what we offer radio stations is the consistency of our service; stations know that every morning a news bulletin containing everything that has happened in their region in the past 24 hours will be waiting for them”.

Helmes Media Solutions also provides daily local news bulletins to Crow FM in Kingaroy and the South Burnett in Queensland and produces some of Australia’s favorite radio segments including Behind the Wheel and New Horizons.